Greeted with breakfast

OTHELLO - The Othello School District welcomed 44 new teachers and administrators at a breakfast Friday.

New and returning staff were greeted with a breakfast of quiche and fruit presented by the school district and the Othello Chamber of Commerce. Afterward, the staff began orientation programs.

"This is the largest number of teachers we have hired since I've been here," said Othello School District superintendent of 14 years George Juarez.

Retirements, new positions and resignations factored into the higher-than-average number of teachers joining the district, Juarez said.

The school district typically welcomes 22 to 28 new teachers each year, he said.

Lutacaga Elementary School teacher Justin Johnson said he returned to the district after taking a break to start earning his master's degree.

"I really missed the classroom," Johnson said. "I knew the school, so it was good to come back to the same place."

McFarland Junior High School teacher Donald Rumsey said he rejoined the district after taking time off to work at a laboratory in Hanford. Rumsey said he was drawn back to the district much like Johnson.

Lutacaga Elementary School teacher Marci Gonzalez joined the district with her husband, Carlos Gonzalez, who is the new assistant principal at Othello High School. They are moving to Othello from Pasco.

"It's kind of a new adventure for us," Marci Gonzalez said.

She said moving to Othello feels like coming home. Carlos Gonzalez graduated from Othello High School, and they have family in the area.

Hiawatha Elementary School teacher Gayle Valdivia decided to teach in Othello because the population seemed similar to Mattawa's.

"I'd done my student teaching in Mattawa and I really liked the population," Valdivia said.

Juarez welcomed the teachers Thursday. Each received a bag of goodies, with contributions from businesses in the area.

"I hope Othello becomes your home because it is a really good place, and we want to welcome you," he said.